I wasn't sure what to expect when starting this book. Was it going to be a thriller? A paean to the mysteries of space travel? What it turned out to be was something more thought-provoking; what do you do when you have a mystery in your life? Do you accept that you will never know and get on with your life? Or do you fight to learn the truth? And if you learn the truth and it changes everything you know, how do you handle it?

Jonathan Stein, is the CEO of Apollo Aeronautics, and the son of a NASA Jewish astronaut the Second World War during the period when German (some of whom were acknowledged Nazis) scientists were working at NASA. His father, Avi Stein, died before making it to the moon, and his close friend Dale Lunden went instead.
Jonathan is about to fulfil his childhood dream of finishing what his father started – completing a moon landing – but as the launch gets closer, he starts to receive strange communications about his father and hints of a cover-off. Jonathan starts to question the official story of his father’s death, and starts digging. What he finds will change his view of NASA forever…

I really enjoyed The Astronaut’s Son. My enjoyment was hampered slightly by the fact that I was reading an early proof version, and the punctuation hiccups and repetition of the word ‘PROOF’ thorughout made it a little hard to follow on occasion, but it was still a great read. I would definitely recommend it although as my recommendation springs from the clever plotting, I can’t really tell you why as…spoiler alert!

This was an intriguing read. It had a lot of twists and turns. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those interested in conspiracy type books.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

Jonathan Stein, the CEO of Apollo Aeronautics, is the son of Avi Stein, an Israeli pilot specially chosen to command Apollo 18 in 1974, but who suffered a fatal heart attack before launch. Jon is now on course to be the the first person in 30 years to step on the moon. But he becomes aware that disturbing rumors that he and others had considered hoaxes, concerning former moon landings, might actually be true. Did his dad really die of a heart attack or was he murdered? Did NASA collaborate with the Nazi's to make huge strides in space research and advances? How much did his dad know about NASA and any Nazi collaboration?

The questions that Jon begins asking have moral implications for not only those related to victims of the Holocaust but for anyone who feels a moral obligation to stand up against such atrocities. This book really made me become aware of and think about how some of our most respected United States programs may be willingly built on the backs of victims of atrocities of the past. What is our moral obligation to refuse to use things that are learned in horrible ways, to build up programs that may help future generations?

This is a intriguing and well written first book and I look forward to more books by Tom Seigel. I was not only entertained but I learned more about our history, the history of NASA, and it's involvement with "former" Nazi's, in the race to get to the moon first. Thank you to Woodhall Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

A fast-paced thriller that is spellbinding. A great and ambitious first novel well worth reading. Looking forward to more from this author.

Blurb:
Jonathan learns about his heart condition. His dad, Avi Stein suffered a fatal heart attack just before the launch of Apollo 18, the mission in which Avi was chosen to command. Thirty years later, Jonathan reveals his moon mission to the press and the public.

After his father's death, Jonathan tries to keep in touch with Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. But Neil never replies to any of Jonathan's letters. Jonathan has two tasks in his mind - one, to complete his father's unfulfilled moon mission and two, to meet Neil Armstrong.

Jonathan and his wife, Susana learn about a conspiracy theory involving Avi Stein. They learn of a website - eclipsedtruth.com - where the nemesis Cassandra promises to unveil the truth behind the moon landing of 1969. Jonathan is disturbed after reading about the 'alleged truth' behind his father's death.

With the help of his friend ZuDu, Susana, Dale Lunden (his father's best friend) and Helmut, Jonathan decides to solve the mystery behind Neil Armstrong's quiet life and Avi Stein's death.

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My Opinion :

From finding Neil Armstrong to National Archives to the German scientists working in NASA, this fast-paced fiction is one of the best books that I have ever read.

Hatred towards the Semitics was prevalent during the World War. Jews were tortured in the concentration camps. How were the Nazi scientists helpful to the NASA? What was their role in the moon mission?

Conspirators make a valid point. And Jonathan wants closure. Will the secrets of friends and families be revealed? Or, will the secrets be taken to their grave?

Each and every character in the book play an important role in unraveling the truth. From best friends to secret affairs to guilt, I liked the way the characters are portrayed in this book. Susana is a loving wife, who does anything and everything to support her husband, emotionally and otherwise. Dale Lunden plays the role of a good friend, who is ready to do anything to help his friend. Also, Dale has always been there for Jonathan, as a guide, and as a father figure. Jonathan, a good husband, and a loving son reminiscing about the times he spent with his father among other things.
The ending is excellent. The element of twist and surprise, in the end, is the best part of this book. This book has everything in it - conspiracy theory, mystery, science, and technology. Highly recommended to all those who love a good read!

Wow! What a fabulous read..
This books starts off quite slow but takes you on an amazing adventure to reveal the possible murder of his father.
There are secrets hidden in this book and to the end I was kept captivated.
A thoroughly enjoyable book